In Parliament

Following his election, Weatherley campaigned to have squatting in residential properties criminalised, with the backing of Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke.[11] The campaign was successful and led to a provision in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 creating a new offence. In November 2012, he was attacked with vegetables by a group of pro-squatting protesters ahead of a debate on the legislation at the University of Sussex. Weatherley and his staff were eventually led to safety by police.[12] Weatherley rejected claims in March 2013 that, as originator of the legislation, he was responsible for the death of a homeless man who had frozen to death while sleeping outside an empty bungalow.[13]

Weatherley campaigned against the repeal of the Hunting Act 2004,[17] stating that "hunting foxes with hounds is a cruel and inhumane practice,"[18] and pledging to vote against any measure which would lead to the ban being overturned. He also campaigned against the implementation of the proposed ban on the retail display of tobacco products,[19] arguing that it would damage trade for small businesses.[20] Weatherley wrote to David Cameron in favour of same-sex couples gaining equal marriage rights, also advocating that religious organisations should be forced to register such ceremonies, which caused controversy.[21][22][23]

Weatherley was the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Business and Retail Crime, along with various other APPGs.[24] He is also a Vice-President of the Debating Group.[25] He is a supporter of the Free Enterprise Group.[26]

Personal life

Weatherley has two sons and a daughter with his first wife.[4][5] He subsequently remarried. In February 2010, he separated from his second wife, Brazilian-born Carla Weatherley.[28]

His main passion outside work and politics is rock music. In his spare time, he watches bands perform live in local venues and, in his maiden speech, he pledged that he would wear an Iron Maiden T-shirt in the Chamber.[29] On 15 December 2011, Weatherley announced that he was unable to fulfil his pledge, explaining, "It's not allowed in the Commons, I asked the Speaker if he'd give me permission and he said no."[30]

Weatherley is a keen cyclist, having participated in the London to Brighton bike ride and, along with 44 other cyclists, raising £230,000 for Childline and Nordoff Robbins by participating in a 100 mi charity bike ride along the Nile in Egypt.[6] He is also a qualified ski instructor and football referee, and former centre-forward of the Martha Gunners.[6]